What to see in Barcelona... According to Instagram

What happens if you search for the hashtag #Barcelona on Instagram? You'll see around 50 million posts! Barcelona is so photogenic that it’s hard to stop constantly taking pictures and sharing its beauty with other people. Here are a few of the most photographed and uploaded places in the city. Maybe the next photo you post will be of your own trip to Barcelona!

A basilica in the heart of the city

This building is so spectacular that it’s become the symbol of the city: the Sagrada Familia basilica. Gaudí’s project rises like a mirage from the characteristic grid of streets of this part of Barcelona. It's wonderful.

A sailboat... on land

This sail-shaped hotel is one of the icons of Barcelona’s seafront. The image takes us to the area of the famous Barceloneta beach, where the light at dusk is especially magical. How would you like to watch that sunset from the deck of a boat?

A church next to an amusement park

What’s this spectacular church? It’s the Sagrat Cor (Sacred Heart) on the peak of Tibidabo, about 516 metres above sea level. You can go up in a lift to enjoy the most unique views of the city. And of course, it’s right next to Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo, an amusement park with a very special retro aesthetic.

One of the world’s loveliest concert halls

Can you hear a melody? We almost can when we look at this picture of the Palau de la Música Catalana. It might look like a greenhouse full of flowers and plants, but this is the concert hall designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. A perfect example of Art Nouveau.

A novel come to life

The tall columns of the Basilica of Santa María del Mar are impressive. This treasure of Catalan Gothic is also both the setting and the protagonist of the novel “Cathedral of the Sea” by Ildefonso Falcones. Did you know the whole neighbourhood joined together to build it in the Middle Ages?

A building with a hidden dragon

The legend of Saint George killing the dragon seems to be reflected in all the shapes on the roof of this Gaudí site. Full of colour and fantasy, the whole building is an ode to the imagination. Did you know they hold “Magical Nights” here in summer? These are evening tours and live music on the rooftop. Highly recommended!

Warrior chimneys

Still with Gaudí, we turn to La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, perhaps the high point of this genius’ work. Although the whole building is wonderful, this detail shows the chimneys on the rooftop terrace, which look like warriors silhouetted against dunes in the desert. Some say the director of “Star Wars” was inspired by them for the design of the imperial stormtroopers’ helmets. As well as normal tours, there is an evening tour with videomapping and the options of dinner at the Café de La Pedrera or a jazz concert on the roof terrace.

An Art Nouveau park

Another Instagram - Gaudí connection? Without a doubt, the shapes and colours of Park Güell. This unique park is the perfect marriage of nature and art. Take a walk around to discover the steps with the famous dragon covered in brightly coloured tiles, the hypostyle with its 86 columns, or the undulating bench-parapet. You’ll want to take photos of everything!

The world is born in each kiss

That’s the title of this creation by Joan Fontcuberta in the Gothic quarter. It’s a beautiful example of the many and varied works of street art to be seen in Barcelona. There’s a fabulous image at every turn, perfect to capture and share with the world.

A legendary market

It could only be La Boquería market. Although it opened officially in 1840, there were already market stalls here in the 13th century. Today, in the heart of Barcelona, it’s a wonderful experience to see its fruit and vegetables piled high, try a healthy juice or a gourmet snack, and maybe sign up for a tasting or a cookery course. Don’t miss this place, so full of life. It’ll be a star turn on your Instagram!

A unique view: the Carmel bunkers

In recent years this spot has become one of Barcelona’s most famous viewing points. It’s the perfect place for gazing at the Barcelona skyline and picking out landmarks like the Sagrada Familia or the Torre Agbar.

Swinging into the void

Some of the more bucolic images that users upload to Instagram are taken from Mirador d’Horta, a vantage point in Parc de Collserola. On the swing here you can feel like all of Barcelona is at your feet.

The perfect spot

Carrer del Bisbe in the Gothic quarter reveals one of the most evocative and photographed places in Barcelona: the Pont del Bisbe, a bridge between the Palau de la Generalitat and Casa dels Canonges. Who could resist taking a photograph of this?